Images on this page are of our standard resolution chart which provides for measurement of resolution up to 4000 LPH (Lines Per Picture Height). A value of 20 equates to 2000 lines per picture height. For each camera we use the relevant prime lens (the same one we use for all the other tests in a particular review). The chart is shot at a full range of apertures and the sharpest image selected. Studio light, cameras set to aperture priority (optimum aperture selected), image parameters default. Exposure compensation set to deliver approximately 80% luminance in the white areas.
What we want to show here is how well the camera is able to resolve the detail in our standard test chart compared to the theoretical maximum resolution of the sensor, which for the charts we shoot is easy to work out - it's simply the number of vertical pixels (the chart shows the number of single lines per picture height, the theoretical limit is 1 line per pixel). Beyond this limit (which when talking about line pairs is usually referred to as the Nyquist frequency) the sensor cannot faithfully record image detail and aliasing occurs.
This limit is rarely attained, because the majority of sensors are fitted with anti-aliasing filters. Anti-aliasing filters are designed to reduce unpleasant moiré effects, but in doing so, they also reduce resolution (the relative strength and quality of these filters varies from camera to camera). In theory though, a sensor without an AA filter, when coupled with a 'perfect' lens, will deliver resolution equal to its Nyquist limit. Therefore, even though it may be effectively unattainable with normal equipment in normal shooting situations, an understanding of a sensor's theoretical limit provides a useful benchmark for best possible performance. Nyquist is indicated in these crops with a red line.
On this page we're looking at both JPEG and Raw resolution. For a (more) level playing field we convert the latter using Adobe Camera Raw. Because Adobe Camera Raw applies different levels of sharpening to different cameras (this confirmed) we use the following workflow for these conversions:
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| JPEG (6000 x 4000) 4.6MB | JPEG (6000 x 4000) 5.3MB |
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| JPEG |
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| Raw |
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| JPEG | Raw |
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The RX1 produces the resolution you'd expect - a fraction over 2800 lph. In JPEG it gives an impression of giving further detail up to around 3000 lph and doesn't degenerate into moire until almost 3600 lph. The story is similar in Raw, with the finer sharpening emphasizing those impressions but, particularly in the horizontal resolution sample, you can see significant amounts of moiré, suggesting a relatively weak anti-aliasing filter.
Sony DSC-RX1/B Cyber-shot Full-frame Digital Camera | $2,798.00 |
Sony DSC-RX1/B Cyber-shot Full-frame Digital Camera | $2,798.00 |
Sony DSC-RX100M II Cyber-shot Digital Still Camera 20.2MP, Black | $679.99 |
Sony DSCRX1R/B 24MP Compact System Cyber-Shot Digital Still Camera with 3-Inch LCD Screen (Black) | $2,798.00 |
Sony DSC-RX100/B 20.2 MP Exmor CMOS Sensor Digital Camera with 3.6x Zoom | $598.00 |
Focus Camera Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100M2/B RX100M2 RX100M II RX100MII 20.2MP Wi-Fi Digital Camera with F1.8 Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T Lens and Full HD 1080p Video at 60fps + Sony 64GB SDHC Class 10 Memory Card + Wasabi NP-BX1 Battery Pack + Sony Camera Case + Micro HDMI Cable + Focus Multi Memory Card Wallet | $748.00 |
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100M2/B RX100M2 RX100M II RX100MII 20.2MP Wi-Fi Digital Camera Bundle with Sony 64GB Memory Card + Wasabi Power Replacement Battery for Sony DSC-RX1 + Sony Black Carrying Case + Wrist Grip Strap + Camera Accessories | $788.00 |
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100M2/B RX100M2 RX100M II RX100MII 20.2MP Wi-Fi Digital Camera Bundle with Sony 32GB Memory Card + Wasabi Power Replacement Battery for Sony DSC-RX1 + Sony Black Carrying Case + Wrist Grip Strap + Camera Accessories | $768.00 |
Sony DSC-HX50V/B DSC-HX50, HX50, DSCHX50 Cyber-shot 20.4MP High Zoom Digital Camera Bundle with 64GB SD Memory Card + Memory Card Reader-Writer + Wasabi Power Replacement Battery for Sony NP-BX1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1 + Soft Carrying Case + 7" Spider Tripod and Accessories | $434.00 |
Sony DSC-RX1/B DSCRX1B DSC-RX1 DSC-RX1/B RX1 DSCRX1 Cybershot Full-frame Digital Camera ESSENTIALS Bundle with 32GB High Speed SD Cards (qty 2) Spare Lithium Batteries (Qty 2), Spare Battery Charger, Deluxe Multi Coated Filter Kit, Padded Case + More! | $2,798.00 |
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 Digital Camera (Black) 32GB Package 3 | $598.00 |
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